Strategic Maneuvers - Jemma Westbrook Page 0,39
“I want the real you.”
“That’s not an option.”
“And why is that?”
“The real me is not fit to breathe the air around you, Love. Take the man you see and be happy.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”
The immediate retort took him back. “I’m sorry?”
“You heard me. We’re the only two here.” Mona shook her head. “I spent too long entertaining men pretending to be something they’re not. I’m not doing it anymore.”
“Those men did it for themselves.”
“And you’re doing it for who?”
“I’m doing it for you.”
Mona crossed her arms. “And I’ve told you I don’t want it.”
Pierce raked one hand through his hair. At this point the pomade from the morning was useless, working away over an evening of frustration.
And it just kept going.
“You don’t understand what you’re asking for.” How could he make her understand this was the best thing? The only way this could be.
They could be.
A bitter laugh slipped free on her next exhale, soft and low. “Fine.” She walked to the door, pulled it open.
Abe was still outside and now Tyson joined him. She gave them one of the soft smiles he used to crave before turning to him, the smile immediately disappearing. “Goodnight, Pierce.”
He dipped his head.
How had this unraveled so quickly? Gone so wrong so fast?
He walked past her. It took all he had not to stop and grab her. Slam the door and lock everyone out.
Show her just what she wanted to see.
But that would be a mistake. One significantly larger than walking out of her room right now felt to be.
Tyson started to follow him.
“Stay with her.” It was his fault they were apart. His inability to control himself is what landed them in this spot.
Made her believe he lied.
Made him consider telling her she was right.
****
“MR. BARRICK?” ELISE poked her head into Pierce’s office. “The man from yesterday is back.”
“Vincent?” He stood from his desk. “Send him in.”
Elise leaned to peer down the hall before stepping into his office. “I’m not sure it’s you he’s here to see.”
He paused at the side of his desk. “Is he asking for Zeke?” If Vincent was here to cause problems for Zeke then it would end quickly. He was ready for a fight, and there was no one he’d like to take his frustration out on more than the head of GHOST.
“No.” Elise’s answer was hesitant.
“Then who in the hell is he asking for?” Pierce strode across his office, ready to find the outlet he was itching for.
“Mona.”
He stopped, head snapping toward the new office manager. “Absolutely not. He cannot see her.”
“It’s too late.” Elise gave him a little shrug. “She was waiting for him at the front doors.”
“You’re fucking kidding me.” Pierce went straight across the hall to Shawn’s door and banged his fist against it before turning to Elise. “Is Heidi in there?”
Elise pressed her lips together as she shook her head.
“Thank God.” Pierce banged again. This time Shawn pulled it open.
“What in the hell is wrong?” Dutch, Seth, Gentry, and Zeke were packed inside the small room.
“Vincent came to meet with Mona.”
Zeke immediately stood. “Over my dead body.”
“Technically he’s not just meeting with Mona.”
Pierce turned to Elise. “What in the hell does that mean?”
Elise’s eyes slid to the end of the hall.
“Damn it.” Shawn was past Pierce and running down the hall. He grabbed the frame of the door as he reached Intel’s office. “It’s fucking empty.”
Pierce stepped closer to Elise. “Where are they?”
She glanced toward the hall leading to the conference rooms.
Pierce started to head that direction. Elise grabbed his arm. “You can’t let her do it.”
“Damn it.” Pierce went straight to the hall, the leads for each team at his back.
Only one door was closed, making it easy to find the location of the unapproved meeting. He scanned his badge and flung the door open.
Mona glared at him. “Can I help you?”
“What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” All he saw was red. There was no chance to filter what came out of his mouth. No ability to temper his reaction to the situation.
“I am doing what needs to be done.” Mona leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest as she continued to stare him down with a defiance that made everything worse.
“Get out here.” Pierce stepped back, making room for her.
“No.” She turned away from him, all her focus going to where Vincent sat. “Now. As you were saying.”
“No fucking way.” Pierce stormed into the room, knocking over empty chairs as he went.